Explanation at your level:
Dealing is how you do things. If you have a problem, you are dealing with it. It is like fixing a puzzle. You talk to people, you help them, and you manage your day. It is a very useful word for when you are busy!
When you are dealing with something, you are working on it. For example, if you are dealing with homework, you are doing it. It is also used for business. If two companies are working together, they have dealings with each other. It is a common word in daily life.
As an intermediate learner, you will see dealing used to describe how people handle stress or conflict. 'I am dealing with a lot of pressure at work.' It implies a process of managing a situation that requires your time and energy. You can also use 'dealings' to refer to professional relationships, like 'I have had many dealings with that firm.'
At this level, you should notice the nuance between 'dealing with' (managing a task) and 'dealings' (relationships). 'Dealing with' is active and often implies a challenge. 'Dealings' is more static and refers to the nature of a relationship. It is common to hear 'shady dealings' to describe suspicious behavior, which shows how the word can carry a negative connotation in specific contexts.
In advanced English, dealing can be used in more abstract ways. It can describe the 'handling' of complex emotional states or diplomatic situations. You might read about the 'dealing of justice' in a legal text, which refers to the administration of law. The word carries a weight of responsibility and agency here, suggesting that the subject is in control of the outcome or the process of distribution.
Mastery of this word involves understanding its historical roots in 'distribution' versus its modern usage in 'interaction.' In literary contexts, an author might use 'dealing' to describe a character's internal struggle, such as 'the dealing with one's own demons.' It is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between mechanical action and human psychology. Understanding the subtle shift from the verb 'to deal' to the noun 'dealing' allows for more precise descriptions of social and professional dynamics.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Dealing means managing or interacting.
- Use 'dealing with' for tasks or problems.
- Use 'dealings' for professional relationships.
- It is a versatile gerund-noun.
Think of dealing as the way you 'handle' life. Whether you are dealing with a difficult math problem or dealing with a friend who is upset, you are actively managing a situation. It is all about the process of engagement.
In the business world, dealing often refers to the actual exchange of goods or services. It is the 'how-to' of interaction. When we talk about someone's dealings, we are usually looking at their history of behavior or their professional conduct with others.
The word comes from the Old English word dælan, which meant 'to divide' or 'to distribute.' Over time, it evolved to include the idea of 'distributing' cards in a game, which is why we call it a 'deal' in poker.
By the 14th century, it expanded into the idea of 'trading' or 'business transactions.' It is fascinating how a word that once meant simply splitting something apart grew to describe complex human interactions and global business agreements.
You will often see this word used with prepositions like 'with.' We say 'the dealing with' a problem. It is very common in professional settings, such as 'business dealings,' which implies a formal relationship.
In casual conversation, it is slightly less common as a standalone noun compared to the verb 'deal.' However, it remains a powerful way to describe the 'manner' of interaction. Always remember that 'dealings' (plural) often implies a series of interactions over time.
1. Deal a blow: To cause harm or disappointment to someone. The news dealt a blow to his confidence.
2. A raw deal: To be treated unfairly. He felt he got a raw deal in the negotiation.
3. Cut a deal: To reach an agreement. We managed to cut a deal with the supplier.
4. Deal yourself in: To join an activity or conversation. Don't wait for an invite, just deal yourself in.
5. Big deal: Something of great importance. It’s not a big deal, don't worry.
Pronounced /ˈdiːlɪŋ/ in both British and American English, the stress is always on the first syllable. It rhymes with 'feeling,' 'healing,' and 'peeling.'
Grammatically, it functions as a gerund-noun. You can use it with articles, like 'the dealing of cards.' When used as 'dealings,' it almost always refers to business or social interactions, requiring a plural verb.
Fun Fact
It shares roots with the word 'dole', meaning to distribute money.
Pronunciation Guide
Long 'ee' sound, clear 'ng' at the end.
Similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'ing'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing as 'del-ing'
- Missing the 'ng' sound
- Stressing the second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gerunds
Dealing is fun.
Present Continuous
I am dealing with it.
Prepositional Phrases
Dealing with the issue.
Examples by Level
I am dealing with my homework.
I am working on my homework.
Present continuous.
He is dealing with the cards.
He is giving out the cards.
Verb usage.
She is dealing with a problem.
She is fixing a problem.
Noun usage.
The dealing was fair.
The action was fair.
Subject usage.
Dealing is hard work.
Managing is hard.
Gerund as subject.
I like dealing with friends.
I like talking to friends.
Gerund phrase.
The dealing takes time.
The process takes time.
Noun usage.
Stop the dealing now.
Stop the action now.
Imperative.
They have business dealings.
Dealing with stress is important.
The dealing of cards was fast.
She is good at dealing with people.
Our dealings were professional.
He is dealing with the mail.
The dealing ended well.
I enjoy dealing with customers.
His dealings with the bank were complex.
I am dealing with a difficult client.
The dealing of justice must be impartial.
She is busy dealing with the fallout.
They have had many dealings in the past.
Dealing with change is a skill.
The company has shady dealings.
He is dealing with his emotions.
The politician was accused of backroom dealings.
Dealing with such a large project requires patience.
Her dealings with the press were handled well.
The dealing of the cards was a ritual.
He is skilled at dealing with conflict.
Their business dealings are strictly private.
The burden of dealing with this is heavy.
Dealing with the consequences is never easy.
The subtle dealing of power behind the scenes was evident.
His dealings with the authorities were fraught with tension.
Dealing with existential dread is a human condition.
The fair dealing of resources is a key policy.
She mastered the art of dealing with difficult personalities.
The firm's dealings were under constant scrutiny.
Dealing with the paradox of choice is modern life.
His dealings with the truth were flexible.
The historical dealing of colonial lands remains controversial.
She navigated the complex dealings of the royal court.
Dealing with the metaphysical implications of the discovery.
The intricate dealings of the underworld were exposed.
He was involved in the dealing of illicit goods.
The subtle dealing with nuance defines his writing.
Her dealings with the board were masterfully orchestrated.
Dealing with the aftermath required great fortitude.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"A raw deal"
unfair treatment
He got a raw deal.
casual"Cut a deal"
make an agreement
We cut a deal.
neutral"Big deal"
something important
It's not a big deal.
casual"Deal with it"
accept and manage
You have to deal with it.
casual"Wheeler-dealer"
someone who makes deals
He is a real wheeler-dealer.
casual"Deal a blow"
cause harm
It dealt a blow to his pride.
neutralEasily Confused
Root word
Deal is the action or agreement; dealing is the process.
I made a deal. I am dealing with it.
Similar spelling
Dealer is the person.
The car dealer is here.
Past tense
Dealt is the past action.
He dealt the cards.
Gerund
Dealing is the ongoing process.
I am dealing with it.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + dealing + with + noun
She is dealing with the mail.
I + have + dealings + with + person
I have dealings with him.
The + noun + of + dealing + with + noun
The difficulty of dealing with stress.
Subject + avoids + dealing + with + noun
He avoids dealing with taxes.
The + adjective + dealing + of + noun
The fair dealing of the cards.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Dealing is a transitive verb when it means distributing, but usually needs 'with' for managing situations.
When referring to relationships, use the plural 'dealings'.
Often 'dealing' is a gerund; 'dealings' is the noun for interactions.
Double 'l' is not needed.
A 'deal' is the agreement; 'dealing' is the process.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a dealer giving out cards.
Native Speakers
Use 'dealing with' for problems.
Business
Use 'dealings' for professional ties.
Gerund
It acts like a noun.
Say it right
Long E sound.
Don't forget 'with'
Always add 'with' for tasks.
Did you know?
It comes from dividing cards.
Study Smart
Use it in daily journals.
Plural
Use 'dealings' for social relations.
Context
Distinguish between task and trade.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
De-aling with the deal.
Visual Association
A person organizing a stack of cards.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences using 'dealing with'.
Word Origin
Germanic
Original meaning: To divide or distribute
Cultural Context
None
Used heavily in American and British business culture.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Workplace
- dealing with clients
- business dealings
- dealing with deadlines
Personal Life
- dealing with stress
- dealing with emotions
- dealing with family
Card Games
- dealing the cards
- my turn for dealing
- stop dealing
Legal
- dealing of justice
- legal dealings
- fair dealing
Conversation Starters
"How are you dealing with the current weather?"
"Do you have many dealings with international clients?"
"What is the best way of dealing with stress?"
"Have you ever had any bad dealings with a company?"
"Is dealing with people easy for you?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were dealing with a difficult situation.
Describe your business dealings if you have any.
How do you feel about dealing with change?
What is your strategy for dealing with daily tasks?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is the present participle of the verb 'deal', but it can act as a noun.
Dealings.
No, 'deal' is the agreement or the act of trading; 'dealing' is the process.
Yes, 'dealing with my feelings'.
It depends on the context.
Very common.
DEE-ling.
Yes, it is standard in all forms of English.
Test Yourself
I am ___ with my homework.
Present continuous tense.
Which means to manage a situation?
Dealing is the correct term.
'Dealings' usually refers to business relationships.
Correct usage.
Word
Meaning
Match the meaning.
Subject-verb order.
Score: /5
Summary
Dealing is the active process of managing situations or interacting with others.
- Dealing means managing or interacting.
- Use 'dealing with' for tasks or problems.
- Use 'dealings' for professional relationships.
- It is a versatile gerund-noun.
Memory Palace
Imagine a dealer giving out cards.
Native Speakers
Use 'dealing with' for problems.
Business
Use 'dealings' for professional ties.
Gerund
It acts like a noun.
